Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, a towering figure of 20th century history, died Friday aged 90, his brother, President Raul Castro, announced.
Photo from video
One of the world's longest-serving rulers and modern history's most singular characters, he defied successive US administrations and assassination attempts.
He crushed opposition at home to lead the communist Caribbean island through the Cold War before stepping aside in 2006.
He eventually lived to see the historic restoration of diplomatic ties with Washington last year.
"The commander in chief of the Cuban revolution died at 22:29 hours this evening," the president announced on national television just after midnight Friday (0500 GMT Saturday).
Raul Castro, who took power after his elder brother Fidel was hospitalized in 2006, said that the revolutionary leader's remains will be cremated early on Saturday, "in compliance with his expressed will."
